Munich hotels recorded more overnight stays in the first half of 2023 than in the same period in 2019. The number rose by 1.3 percent to 8.4 million. This means that business is recovering from the sharp decline during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. More guests came to the city again last year. The good figures this year are due, among other things, to the successful trade fair business, which once again attracted more visitors. The number of guests from Germany, Austria and Switzerland grew particularly strongly. It increased by eleven percent in the first half of the year compared to the first six months of 2019. However, foreign guests are still hesitant and the Russian market has almost completely collapsed.
The number of beds in Munich developed similarly: in 2020, the number of hotels fell by 29 percent compared to the previous year due to Corona and the associated restrictions, reports the PKF Hospitality Group, a consulting company for the tourism and leisure sector. After the accommodation restrictions were relaxed, a 22 percent increase in businesses was recorded in 2021. In 2022, the number of hotels increased by eleven percent, and the number of beds even rose by 16.5 percent. According to the consulting company, the number of beds has even reached its highest level so far this year.
“The hotel offering in the city will continue to expand in the coming years, especially in the luxury segment,” says Ulrike Student, Germany boss of the PKF Hospitality Group. “Brands like Rosewood that are not yet represented in Munich, JW Marriott, Stay Kooook and Schani Hotels, as well as brands already represented such as Motel One, Numa and Cocoon, will expand the hotel market.” Further projects are also being planned. However, given high interest rates and strict financing requirements, it is uncertain whether all plans will be implemented .
Nevertheless, the range of hotels and beds in Munich will continue to grow. Whether there are enough guests for this depends on the overall economic conditions, says pupils. Inflation, energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers and the war in Ukraine are difficult for the industry to overcome. The impact on people’s travel behavior can only be roughly estimated. It is thought-provoking that bed occupancy is currently a good eleven percentage points below the 2019 level. At that time, Munich’s hotel beds were 58 percent occupied; this year it is just under 46 percent.